I snort with laughter, admiring my reflection in the mirror.
Five years have passed since Crane took off. I'd thrown myself into teaching, and earned my degree. But looking in the mirror now, I still see the sadness in my eyes that no amount of professional success can erase.
That man broke me.
“You’re thinking about him,” Kiki says quietly, coming up behind me. She wraps her arms around my waist, kissing my shoulder. “Please don’t.”
“It’s been five years,” I whisper back, a lump forming in my throat. “Why am I still thinking about him?”
Kiki sighs, releasing me.
“I think we both know why, but it’s pointless thinking about it.”
I nod numbly, instead forcing a smile.
“Let’s grab a coffee before Declan picks me up.”
I don’t allow myself to think about Crane Michaels. It’s pointless, as Kiki said.
But something about my gray-eyed one-night wonder still kills me.
How he left and never said goodbye.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve searched for him on social media, to no avail.
Still, I’m with Declan now.
It’s not the same as what I had with Crane, but look wherethatgot me.
Heartbroken and lost for five years.
Declan is the one who saved me.
“What are you doing tonight?” Kiki asks.
“Dinner with the girls. Are you sure I can’t convince you to join us?”
I don’t need to see Kiki’s face to know she’s shuddering.
“No offense, but I’d rather set my face on fire.”
Tonight I’m seeing my fellow teacher friends, and Kiki finds them incredibly dull. The school I work for is kind of pretentious, I have to admit, but they’re my colleagues. I have to make an effort.
“They’re lovely!” I protest as Kiki makes choking noises.
“I’m sure.”
An hour later, I’m skipping toward Declan’s Porsche. My heart skips a beat when he lowers his sunglasses to drink me in.
He whistles, shaking his head when I slide in beside him.
“How do you look better every time I see you?”
“I use an anti-aging serum.”
I tug his face to mine, pressing my lips against his.
“You’ll never age,” he mumbles against me, his hand resting on my thigh. “How did dress shopping go?”
